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(14 January 2001) The first solo EP to emerge from Marina
Belica since the breakup of October Project is entitled Decembergirl
(Decembergirl Records (USA) DCE011, 2000). The first 1000 copies are
individually numbered and inscribed by the artist and include 3D glasses
to get the full effect of the cover artwork. It is a wonderful EP and
raises great interest in a full length album. Of the five tracks,
two are penned by Belica alone, one is cowritten with Dana Pomfret,
one is an October Project cover and the final track is traditional.
Read our full length feature on Marina Belica incorporating an
exclusive Musical Discoveries interview
here.

Marina Belica is perhaps the unsung hero of October Project.
Her keyboard and backing vocals added significant texture to the band's
sound as evidenced in video footage released by the band during their
heyday considered by fans as the holy grail. October Project's albums
are still generally available and regularly receive acclaim worldwide
to this very day. A comprehensive artist biography is available at
Marina's official website.

Emil Adler (keyboards, harmonium), Jim Chapdelaine
(electric guitar), David Sabitano (guitar), Urbano Sanchez
(percussion) and Julie Flanders (backing vocals) guest on a
stunning cover of October Project's "Return To Me". Naturally the
return of several of the band's orignal members contributes to the
faithful reproduction of the song albeit with Marina's sweeter and
more crystalline lead vocal.

Decembergirl opens with an original track entitled
"When You Go" written very much in the October Project style. We were
reminded instantly of "Where You Are" when hearing the song's arrangements
and drum part. Marina's voice is delicate yet powerful and it is wonderful
to hear her singing lead. "The Wheel" is an upbeat coffeehouse-style
track. Layers of harmony vocals contribute add density in the chorus.
Instrumentals are richly arranged but achieve a live sound in the
recording.

The bluesy ballad "Come With Me" illustrates the evocative
sensuality of Marina's voice. The trumpet part is especially notable and
carries the instrumental arrangement poised against the cello. A unique
arrangement of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is the final track on the EP.
It is dominated by vocal layers with only a hint of instrumentation until
the bridge where it echoes the theme established by the vocals
building to a dramatic climax. Sensitive vocals, violin and guitar
conclude the piece.

Marina's Decembergirl EP provides a wonderful
introduction to plans for a full length album.
Read our full length feature on Marina Belica incorporating an
exclusive Musical Discoveries interview
here.
The EP is destined to achieve widespread critical acclaim and
worth a cross-country journey, we certainly think it is a must
listen!.